The goblins allied themselves to the Horde in the Second War (because the orcs paid and/or intimidated them), but in the Third War they were a neutral force, making money off every side.[3]

A Horde ambassador ventured forth and met with with Trade Prince Steamwheedle, asking for the goblins to provide machines and technology to the orcs, in exchange for spoils and gold. In the beginning, the arrangement seemed perfect. Trade Prince Steamwheedle believed that the orcs would win the war, so he found it natural to join the winning side. Plus, the profits flooded Undermine's coffers, and the goblins expanded their slave markets. However, other goblins disagreed and remained neutral; thus, only Trade Prince Steamwheedle and his subordinates joined the Horde. In the end, Trade Prince Steamwheedle realized his mistake and left the Horde, and the goblin race remembers the mistake and remains neutral to this day.[4]

Allegedly, and if the RPG is true, he has been surpassed as richest goblin on Azeroth by Trade Prince Gallywix.[5] Though, Gallywix's riches may have been quickly lost in his shipwreck.

Steamwheedle Cartel?

It is implied in the RPG that the Steamwheedle Cartel were the group of goblins that originally sided with the Horde (or at least was at a point in the past considered the most viable replacement for that group). During the time the passage was written, the Horde was trying to improve relations with the cartel in order to get them to join the Horde.[6]

If so, then the Trade Prince mentioned above would most likely have been Steamwheedle. This is seemingly confirmed in Trade Secrets of a Trade Prince, where Trade Prince Steamwheedle is revealed to have been the Horde's trade prince, but he still may not run the cartel that shares his name. Gallywix does not run the Gallywix Cartel, after all.

Speculation

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

The name "Steamwheedle" hints that he runs the Steamwheedle Cartel, but this is not specifically confirmed. Marin Noggenfogger, the Baron of Gadgetzan, seems to have enough authority to ally the Cartel exclusively with the Horde or Alliance, whatever that may mean.

References

^Horde Player's Guide, pg. 188 "A group of heroes might focus on trying to improve relations with ... the Steamwheedle Cartel. Perhaps with enough persuasion, the goblins could be convinced to rejoin the Horde for the first time since the Second War."

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